Chapter 2: Mom?

Mahito's POV

Nothing special happened that night after my encounter with Kouki. I just wandered around, looking for a particular street.

I wanted to meet an extremely dangerous woman who could be useful if I played my cards right.

Unfortunately, I didn't find her. I think I'll have to hang around Momo to meet her or ask her grandmother directly.

Besides this unsuccessful search, I also helped a few homeless people and random runaways with my powers.

This universe is literally one giant creepypasta. So, I should start building my urban legend, right?

There's also the fact that words and names have real power here.

It's in my best interest to make myself known to mortals quickly; I just hope to find an interesting surprise once my urban legend starts spreading.

"Hey, Kouki, you look better." I approached Kouki, who was heading toward Kami High.

She jumped when she heard my voice before pulling me into a hug. I have to admit, I didn't mind.

I was in my bat form, so she could easily catch me for a cuddle.

"You're the mysterious being who gave me my powers!" There was unmistakable gratitude in her voice.

That proves she's really the desperate person I need to carry out my orders. She just needs proper training before she can fulfill my commands.

"I don't want to spoil the mood of our reunion, but I'm invisible, and you're not." My words quickly brought her back to reality.

She took a quick look around before rushing with me to a nearby alley. She must have noticed the weird looks people were giving her.

Cough This idiot squeezed me a little too hard.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to…" She tried to explain, but I motioned for her to stop.

I'm immune to physical attacks; I just choked a little because of her. So, nothing serious.

"It's fine; the main thing is that we're now in a quieter place," I said while scanning the alley.

She nodded, a little shyly.

"As I already said, I'm Mahito, a local spirit. And if I'm not mistaken, you're Kouki Yukishiro, right?" She nodded.

"Yes, but Mahito-sama, may I know how you know me and why you gave me this power?" Slightly hesitant at first, Kouki eventually expressed her doubts about my intentions.

"It's simple, I know your name, and I chose you because I've been watching you for a while, Kouki," I explained, settling on her shoulder.

"You… you're a stalker!!!" She lost all initial respect and started to panic a bit.

"Cut it out, idiot," I really don't have the patience for this kind of nonsense.

"I was just looking for a 'champion,' and you made me feel pity, so I decided to take you under my wing," I said honestly.

Of course, I won't directly tell Kouki that she's going to be my slave. I prefer to disguise it as a 'champion.'

She showed a downcast expression upon realizing I chose her out of pity and not for any special reason.

"I get it, but why do you call me by my name? I understand you're my boss, but…"

Ah, that Japanese thing…

…

We had a little conversation before hurriedly leaving the alley.

It's not that our discussion was over; I just didn't have time to make Kouki take an oath of obedience because of school.

She glanced at her watch before rushing to her classroom, but not before grabbing me.

It seems I've found an interesting subordinate, but she has some gaps, and I really wanted to see if I could make someone else take an oath that me.

Maybe I should have waited for the class representative of Okarun to be cursed by her childhood friend.

I could have just resolved the situation with my cursed technique and gained a singer capable of influencing the world around her.

Wait a minute. Why not awaken her to the supernatural myself instead of relying on Okarun's sphere?

I think I'm capable of exorcising Rin's childhood friend, and with my powers, I'm confident enough to pose as a vampire, right?

The idea is really tempting, but I choose to abandon that plan. I'll just wait for her to pick up the sphere herself.

Why risk someone's life so much when I can simply hang around and wait for Momo's grandmother to do all the work?

"You really don't have any friends, huh?" We were currently on break, and I was still on Kouki's shoulder.

"Yes…" The atmosphere was really lame.

I changed into my Mahito form, except I was wearing a butler's outfit. I ignored Kouki's shocked expression and sat in front of her.

(Image)

"It's kind of sad that you're eating alone, so I'll keep you company." I took a sauce from her bento and ate it.

"Not bad, I'd even say it's delicious."

"Is that your real form?" Kouki stammered, watching me with a slight blush.

I sometimes forget that the original Mahito had a certain popularity among female fans in the JJK manga, and it seems this appearance doesn't leave Kouki indifferent.

"Yes, but I find turning into a crow or a bat more practical," those are my honest thoughts.

Once Kouki and I finished eating, I temporarily parted from her despite her protests.

I needed to increase my knowledge about the interesting spirits in the area, and I didn't want Kouki to get too attached to me.

I once read that very introverted individuals can develop dependence on someone who's nice to them. I want a subordinate, not a creature completely dependent on me.

"Oh, a spirit…" This is the first time I've encountered one since my reincarnation.

I remember that she's obsessed with being called "mom."

"If she's here, then…" I followed the spirit's gaze and spotted a beautiful girl surrounded by several high school boys.

She must be Aira, but how did that guy, Takamura, resist this?

(Image)

I changed my form to look like child Mahito. I want to fight this Spirit , and I knew my opponent liked children.

"Hey, miss," I approached her.

The spirit of the woman, who had died by suicide, stared at me for a second before moving at lightning speed. Of course, I managed to react in time.

"My child!!!" she screamed.

Damn, I think I made a blunder, but it's too late to turn back now.

"Mom?" I tilted my head like kids do in manga.

"Yes, darling, I am your mother." She spread her arms as she approached.

"I… I don't know… you're a bit scary." I stepped back slowly.

"Sorry, is this appearance scaring you?" She began to glow before taking on the appearance of a young woman.

(Image)

"Mom!!" I dove into her arms. Surprisingly, she returned the embrace. I admit I hesitated a bit before activating my cursed technique after piercing her chest.

"Sorry, I need to know."

"Ahhhh." Despite the spirit's screams of pain, I continued trying to absorb the strange energy I suspected was aura.

I had been tempted to try with Kouki, but I gave up. Kouki is currently an ally, and it would be a waste to accidentally kill her for an experiment.

"Why?" murmured the spirit, shedding tears.

"Sorry, 'mom,' it's temporary." I finally stopped after feeling "satisfied."

I left the fallen ghost on the ground as I walked away. I felt bad for her, but she should survive since I didn't absorb all the aura.

"Please, look after Aira." Not only did I consume her "aura," but I also tried to revive her mortal memories.

I think it's a fair payment in exchange for this meal, right?